Sunday, March 28, 2010

Adventure reigns supreme in the second issue of Radical Publishing's three-issue miniseries, Aladdin: Legacy of the Lost. Though I wasn't blown away by the first issue in terms of action, Ian Edginton's story did keep me engaged enough to see if this issue would deliver. This issue delivered in so many ways.

The story so far, if you missed the first issue, follows Aladdin, who has escaped after being betrayed by the sorcerer Qassim and discovered a magic lamp. Now he lives in an opulent palace outside his hometown of Shambhalla as a "Golden Prince" with the Djinn of the Lamp beside him. This issue opens with Aladdin parading through Shambhalla, creating a spectacle that has piqued the interest of King Rhokari and awakened the ire of Princess Soraya. After a visit as the Prince, Aladdin reveals himself to Soraya. He returns to help the king regain his love, and is once again betrayed by Qassim. Through the fray, Soraya is captured, and the adventure begins. The next 40 pages bring Aladdin (and us) on an adventure you'd expect from a tale of Aladdin. Part Arabian Nights, part Ray Harryhausen, we see creatures, magic, action, and so much more.

Just like with the first issue, Patrick Reilly and Stjepan Sejic outdo themselves with the lush paintings that accompany Edginton's story. From the Shambhalla city streets to the lands above and below, we are treated to a feast for the eyes that never leaves the reader wanting.

With films like Clash of the Titans and Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, I'm sure stories like this will be in high demand. Readers should pick up this series to get a dose of classic adventure and beautiful sights.